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MIL CLICKS
CENTRAL STATIO
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UNESCO
Think Critically
and Click W
isely
MIL RADIO
IF F
AKE,
NOT NEW
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INFO TUNNEL
MIL SCH
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NO HATE S
PEECH
ONLINE
NEWS
MIL
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POLICE
MIL HEALTH M
IL INPOLICIES
TRUST IN M
EDIA
L I B R A R Y
MIL TELEVISION
D I A L OG U E S Q
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GLOBAL MEDIA
24 - 31 October 2018
AND INFORMATIONLITERACY WEEKprac�cal guidelines
Table of Contents BACKGROUND ............................................................................................................................................................................ 2
ORGANISERS, HOST AND STRATEGIC PARTNERS .......................................................................................................... 2
DATES AND VENUES................................................................................................................................................................. 3
EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS ..................................................................................................................................... 4
TRAVELERS MAP ........................................................................................................................................................................ 5
VISA APPLICATION PROCESS ........................................................................................................................................... 5
KAUNAS-RIGA SHUTTLE ..................................................................................................................................................... 5
WELCOME TO THE BALTICS, LITHUANIA, LATVIA AND ESTONIA ........................................................................... 5
1. KAUNAS, LITHUANIA .................................................................................................................................. 6
ARRIVING “TRANSPORTATION” .................................................................................................................................. 7
ACCOMMODATIONS .................................................................................................................................................... 11
ATTRACTIONS ................................................................................................................................................................. 12
RESTAURANTS ................................................................................................................................................................ 15
USEFUL INFORMATION ............................................................................................................................................... 20
2. RIGA, LATVIA ............................................................................................................................................... 21
ARRIVING “TRANSPORTATION” ................................................................................................................................ 22
ACCOMMODATIONS .................................................................................................................................................... 24
ATTRACTIONS ................................................................................................................................................................. 25
RESTAURANTS ................................................................................................................................................................ 26
USEFUL INFORMATION ............................................................................................................................................... 26
3. TRIP TO TALLINN, ESTONIA AFTER THE FEATURE EVENTS ....................................................... 27
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BACKGROUND The Feature Conference of the Global MIL Week 2018 is the 8th Media and Information Literacy and Intercultural Dialogue (MILID) Conference. It will be held in Lithuania under the same theme as the Global MIL Week 2018 “Media and Information Literate Cities: Voices, Power, and Change Makers” from 24 to 25 October 2018, at Vytautas Magnus University in Kaunas, Lithuania. Over 300 participants are expected to attend the Conference this year. Special emphasis will be placed on the youth at the Global MIL Week Youth Agenda Forum to take place on 26 October, 2018, at the University of Latvia in Riga, Latvia. Young people’s voices will resonate loudly in the global commemoration of MIL Week as well as the feature events. Youth will be engaged not just as target groups for MIL training but also as actors and as part of the solution to achieve media and information literate societies. This year's edition Global MIL Week 2018 will highlight that smart, sustainable cities must also be media and information literate cities (MIL Cities). MIL Cities put people at their heart by helping everyone, through creative means, throughout their lifetimes, develop the competencies required to make the most of media, information, and technology. They enable citizens to make better use of the practical possibilities a connected city can provide, and engage more creatively, critically and effectively in it. Such actions advance the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) such as SDG 11, Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable; SDG 4, Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all; SDG 5, Enhance the use of enabling technology, in particular information and communications technology, to promote the empowerment of women; and SDG 16, Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels. What are MIL Cities Cities around the world have benefitted hugely from the digital revolution. Information about transportation, health care, entertainment, news, the private sector, civil society, and government has increased efficiency, opened up new economic, social and cultural possibilities, reduced pollution, and enhanced transparency and participation. A growing number of stakeholders are championing “smart cities” initiatives, which seek to make better use of information and communication technology to boost efficiency and quality of life in respect to security, health, recreation, community services, and government to citizens interaction and vice versa. Initiatives concerning smart cities often underplay citizens’ agency in the process. One example is in relation to creatively and transparently integrating information, technology, and media in city and community life to enable people’s understanding and engagement in realizing tolerance and human solidarity as well in election processes City managers and residents are hindered without access to information. It, therefore, behooves cities to recognize the need for comprehensive info-coms policies, which address digital and non-digital dimensions including media and information literacy.
ORGANISERS, HOST AND STRATEGIC PARTNERS Co-organizers
The Global MIL Week 2018 Feature Conference and Youth Agenda Forum are co-organized by UNESCO, Vytautas Magnus University (Lithuania) and University of Latvia (Latvia). Both universities are members of the UNESCO-UNAOC UNITWIN Media and Information Literacy and Intercultural Dialogue (MILID) University Network.
Feature Conference host - Vytautas Magnus University Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) has its own visionary approach towards organizing studies, scientific research and academic community life. Scholars from Lithuania and abroad who participated in the reestablishment of VMU in 1989 have also defined principles, which university have been following ever since: a commitment to foster a liberal and democratic learning environment, emphasizing the importance of aesthetics, honesty, tolerance and independent thought. It is an international and multilingual institution that continuously develops international networks and intercultural dialogues, participates in international scientific, academic and social projects, encourages lecturer and student mobility, and promotes dialogue and tolerance. The Department of Public Communications at VMU has a 20-year-long history of advancing media and communication research and journalism studies. Its reputation runs on strong academic capacity and rich experience in research, education, training and evidence-based policy-making. The department is known for its networking activities relating to MIL and has established close working connections with other departments and institutions nationally and
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internationally. In 2018, UNESCO Chair on Media Literacy for Inclusive Knowledge Societies was established at Vytautas Magnus University. All conference-related queries should be addressed to:
UNESCO: Mr. Alton Grizzle, [email protected] Mr. Xu Jing, [email protected]
Vytautas Magnus University (Kaunas, Lithuania):
Ms. Kristina Juraitė, [email protected]
Youth Agenda Forum host - University of Latvia The University of Latvia has been founded in 1919 and currently, with its more than 15 000 students, 13 faculties and over 20 research institutes and independent study centres, is one of the largest comprehensive and leading research universities in the Baltics. At University of Latvia, research is conducted in over 50 research fields which represent main areas of inquiry, including the humanities, natural sciences and social sciences. The University of Latvia pays great attention to the development of international collaboration to promote its identity internationally and to strengthen the reputation of the University worldwide. In 2015, the University of Latvia, Faculty of Social Sciences, through the Department of Communication Studies, established the UNESCO Chair on Media and Information Literacy. Its mission is to conduct research, develop educational activities and policy guidelines in the MIL sphere for different target groups – policy-makers, educators, families, the private sector – as well as to develop study programs, trainings and practical materials for MIL mediators (teachers, librarians) and young people to promote their competencies in media and information literacy. All Youth Agenda Forum related queries should be addressed to:
The University of Latvia (Riga, Latvia): Ms. Guna Spurava, [email protected]
DATES AND VENUES Feature Conference venue:
Venue: Vytautas Magnus University Address: S. Daukanto g. 28, 44248, Kaunas More information about the venue can be found here:
http://www.vdu.lt/en/contacts-2/vmu-map/ http://www.vdu.lt/en/about-vmu/cultural-activities/vmu-art-spaces-and-museums/vmu-great-hall/ http://www.vdu.lt/en/about-vmu/cultural-activities/vmu-art-spaces-and-museums/vmu-small-hall/
Dates: From 24th to 25th October 2018
Youth Agenda Forum:
Venue: Academic Centre for Natural Sciences, University of Latvia Address: Jelgavas iela 1 Rīga LV-1004 Latvija Take a virtual tour around the Academic Centre here: https://www.tornakalns.lu.lv/virtuala-ture/ Academic Centre for Natural Sciences of University of Latvia is located in a short distance from the Old Town Riga – on the left side of river Daugava, in Torņkalns district and in a five-minute walk from the National Library of Latvia. More information about the venue can be found here: https://www.tornakalns.lu.lv/eng/
Date: 26th of October 2018
EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS If you have any questions about events in Kaunas and Riga, please contact these numbers. Feature Conference, Kaunas, Lithuania
Kristina Juraitė, phone number +37068562623, e-mail: [email protected] Donata Bocullo, phone number +37067296436, e-mail: [email protected]
Youth Agenda Forum, Riga, Latvia
Guna Spurava, phone number +37129160909, e-mail: [email protected]
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Elīza Laķe, phone number +37128348328, e-mail: [email protected]
TRAVELERS MAP
More information: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1cv5QQbEcmLYlk8yLt3o2_3JDcYep3FZc&usp=sharing
VISA APPLICATION PROCESS VISAS: Lithuania and Latvia are an EU member countries and Schengen Area members. Citizens of EU countries and 30 other states, including Australia, USA, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea etc., can stay in the Schengen Area for a period of 90 days without a special visa. More information:
http://keliauk.urm.lt/en/visas http://www.mfa.gov.lv/en/consular-information/obtaining-visas
KAUNAS-RIGA SHUTTLE For all participants who register and will attend both events - Feature Conference and Youth Agenda Forum - the transportation from Kaunas to Riga and return will be organized and covered by the organizers.
WELCOME TO THE BALTICS, LITHUANIA, LATVIA AND ESTONIA 100th Year of Independence of the Baltic States In 2018 three Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania) celebrate the centenary of the restoration of their independence. Each of the Baltic States’ governments signed a document proclaiming the restoration of their independent state in 1918. The people determined to take responsibility for their country’s future into their own hands. However, during World War II all three states were forcibly occupied and annexed by the Soviet Union in 1940, followed by Nazi
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Germany in 1941 and again by the Soviets in 1944. In 1990 Lithuania declared the restoration of independence, joined by Estonia and Latvia in 1991. The Baltics people have now engaged in the building of their countries and in making decisions together. Now they can feel and be free, and can share their achievements with the world. The centenary year gives opportunities to deepen the past of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, to experience the celebration together, and to shed a light on the Baltic States’ anticipated future success. Check out the events programs here:
https://www.ev100.ee/en
http://lv100.lv/en/
http://www.lietuva.lt/100/en Events in the US here:
http://www.latvia100usa.org
More information about Baltic States can be found here: http://charmingbaltics.com/
1. KAUNAS, LITHUANIA About host country Lithuania (Lietuva) is a Baltic country in Northern Europe. It has a Baltic Sea coastline in the west and is surrounded by Latvia to the north, Belarus to the east, Poland to the southwest, and Russia's exclave, the Kaliningrad Oblast, to the west. Lithuania is the only Baltic country with more than eight hundred years of statehood tradition and its name was first mentioned one thousand years ago, in 1009. Wedged at the dividing line of Western and Eastern civilizations, Lithuania battled dramatically for its independence and survival. Once in the Middle Ages (15th century), Lithuania was the largest state in the entire continent of Europe, where crafts and overseas trade prospered. Nowadays Lithuania is an active member of the European Union (since 1 May 2004) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization NATO (since 29 March 2004) If you really want to know Lithuania, you must first begin to get to know its people. Most Lithuanians are very sincere, hospitable and helpful, and, in fact, we expect the same treatment in return from our quests. Lithuanians are long-lived people, so, if you have an opportunity to talk to people of older generation, you will bring back to your country many interesting stories and experiences. If you are tired of civilization, you will have an excellent opportunity for retreat from its pressures. You only need to go away from the big cities and travel where your heart and mind can rest – to seemingly endless forests, lakes, scattered all over Lithuania, rivers that crisscross the country or the unforgettably beautiful Curonian Spit bathed by the Baltic Sea. More information about Lithuania can be found here: http://www.lithuania.travel/
About host city Kaunas, the second largest Lithuania‘s city, which keeps the authentic spirit of the country‘s national character alive. The city is located at the confluence of the two largest Lithuanian rivers, surrounded by the hills and situated at the crossroads of the most important roads in Lithuania. Due to its geographical position, today, Kaunas is Lithuania‘s most important center of communication. It is a home of a variety of festivals & events, from operettas to modern dance, from classical music to Jazz. Kaunas was chosen as the European Capital of Culture 2022. And as a Capital of Culture 2022 Kaunas is changing: from the TEMPORARY CAPITAL to CONTEMPORARY. The city is famous for its Interwar Bauhaus architecture which was awarded the European Heritage label and is on its way to UNESCO. Kaunas is the only city in the world where so much of the style of the buildings has survived to the present day.
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Kaunas is a colorful city, famous by its street art, with probably the only square in the world that you can‘t get into - George Maciunas square, inspired by FLUXUS movement. The unique atmosphere of Kaunas can be explored, which is distinguished by the heritage of the painter and composer M. K. Čiurlionis. Kaunas is not only a city of old traditions, but also a large centre of business and industry. It can also lay claim to be a city of young people with over 35,000 students (the largest number in Lithuania) studying at one of the seven universities here. For business and investors, our city offers friendly, open, and creative space for partnerships and cooperation. Green streets, tree–lined avenues and wide–open squares create surroundings to match everybody’s moods. Kaunas is proud of its great number of museums, theatres, universities, colleges, fine hotels, restaurants, cafes and bars. Guests can try a range of cuisine from many European and Asian countries as well as an abundance of traditional Lithuanian food, drink and hospitality. More information about Kaunas can be found here: http://visit.kaunas.lt/en/
ARRIVING “TRANSPORTATION” HOW TO GET TO KAUNAS CITY CENTER FROM THE KAUNAS AIRPORT? ARRIVING BY PLANE Direct Ryanair and Wizz Air flights to Kaunas are available from 17 European airports – you can check schedules and changes here: www.kaunas-airport.lt . Bus No. 29 connects Kaunas International Airport with the city centre. You need to get off the bus at the Studentu skveras bus stop. The journey takes about 45 minutes with the bus timetable being coordinated with flight schedules. A taxi service is available for those who need a speedier transfer. There are also buses from Kaunas International Airport to Vilnius, Klaipėda, Riga and Minsk.
Airport address: Oro uosto g. 4, Karmėlava, 54460, Kauno rajonas More information: https://www.kaunas-airport.lt/index.php?lang=en Schedules of bus 29: https://www.stops.lt/kaunas/#bus/29/a-b/en
A. You can take a bus No. 29 and get off the bus at the Studentu skveras bus stop. B. If you want to use taxi we recommend taxify app (you can read more about it below) – it is cheaper and more
convenient than regular taxi service.
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C. You can also rent a car. There are car rent office near the airport or you can use www.rentalcars.com to find better prices. Please note that there a very few free parking spots in Kaunas city center.
ARRIVING BY BUS
Local and international bus transfers are provided by Kautra, Eurolines, Ecolines and TOKS. Timetables: www.autobusubilietai.lt
Bus station address: Vytauto pr. 24, Kaunas 44355 More information: https://www.autobusubilietai.lt/index.php?cl=start&lang=0
ARRIVING BY TRAIN Kaunas can be reached easily by train from both Lithuanian and international cities (a new route Kaunas - Bialystok, Poland). The railway station is in a convenient location as it takes barely 15 minutes on foot to reach the central city street (Laisvės Alėja; Liberty Avenue). You can purchase train tickets online www.traukiniobilietas.lt. Train station address: M. K. Čiurlionio g. 16, Kaunas 44362 More information: http://www.litrail.lt/en/home TAXIFY KAUNAS
Taxify – connecting riders with the best local drivers at the best prices. When you ride with Taxify, company doing their best to make the ride as seamless and comfortable as possible. Taxify is the smart way to move around Kaunas city. Get the app for iPhone and Android.
Reliable Ride: You’ll see your driver’s contact details and can rate them at the end of the trip. Your feedback helps us keep the best drivers.
No Cash, No Hassle: Pay in cash or add your credit card to the app and we’ll automatically charge it when you arrive.
Convenient Business Trips: You can use Taxify for your personal or business trips. Switch the payment method at the tap of a button.
Use KAUNASIN promo code for your first trip and get - 7 Eur. discount!
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION IN KAUNAS Buses, trolleybuses, minibuses and regional buses are at your service in Kaunas. Check the timetables at www.trafi.com or download the Trafi app. You can either purchase a single ticket from the driver or get yourself a more convenient and efficient e-ticket. KAUNAS PUBLIC TRANSPORT: buses, trolleybuses and minibuses. There are two types of tickets:
A single use paper ticket and E-ticket (periodic for 3, 7, 30 or 92 days). Trolleybuses and buses run from 4.30 a.m. until 10.30 p.m. Payments for Kaunas city public transport are made with the help of non-contact electronic ticket (CARD)
system. You may transfer different sums of money from your e-purse onto the CARD and/or pay for certain kinds of e-ticket (of 3, 7, 30 and 92 days) periodically. You may buy the CARD at the newspaper stands or in the places marked by the special sign “Kauno Viešasis Transportas” (KVT) (Kaunas Public Transport). You must always have your card when getting on the means of transport.
Useful information: if you do not have an e-card with payment for e-ticket, you may buy a single-use ticket from the driver. Please buy the single-use ticket from the driver immediately after getting on the means of transport. Please note that drivers do not have cash due to safety issues; thus, be prepared to pay the exact sum of money for the ticket (1 EUR). The tickets purchased from the driver do not have to be validated by a ticket puncher.. You may check Kaunas public transport routes and schedules on the website www.stops.lt/kaunas
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ROUTE TAXI: Route taxi passengers can use the Kaunas‘s card filled with single-use electronic tickets to pay for public transportation. Passengers, paying for the trip by single-use electronic tickets, during 30 minutes from the first card check at vehicle can change the vehicle – take a route taxi, a bus or a trolleybus. If you take a bus or trolleybus, and later on continue your trip by the route taxi, the total price for the trip is 1 Euro. You do need to pay extra when transferring from the route taxi to bus or trolleybus. The only requirement is that every time you have to check your card by touching the ticket scanning machine. The constant route taxi passengers can get a monthly ticket. It is important to know that this monthly ticket does not allow taking a city buses or trolleybuses. It is only valid at the municipal route taxis (routes numbered 51-57). Taxis are available and the price to the city centre is about 20-25 EUR. Taxis can be found and hired directly from outside the airport terminal building. We recommend “Smart taxi”, which can be called on tel. 1821 or +370 37 29 1821 or ordered online www.smarttaxi.lt. TAXIS: can be hailed on the streets, called by phone or using mobile App. The average price for one kilometer by taxi is 0,70 EUR. BUS TO THE AIRPORT: Kaunas International Airport (Karmelava) – is located 15 km northeast of Kaunas City.
Bus No. 29 regularly runs from the airport terminal to the city centre. The route of bus No. 29 connects Kaunas Airport with Kaunas city.
If you come to Kaunas late in the evening, for your convenience the bus No. 29 or No. 29E (late night express bus) will wait for you and take you to Kaunas.
Every day the bus from Kaunas Airport only leaves after the last plane lands. Useful information: Please buy a ticket from the driver immediately after boarding the vehicle. Please be prepared to pay the exact amount of money – 1 Eur. Paper tickets purchased from the driver must not be validated using ticket punchers. You can find the bus No. 29 or No. 29E routes and timetables here: www.stops.lt/kaunas/#bus/29
CAR RENTAL Car rental options all in one place if you would like to travel around Kaunas or visit other towns and cities of Lithuania. http://visit.kaunas.lt/en/information/car-rental/
CAR PARKING Paid parking zones in Kaunas include:
The entire central area and the Old Town from 08.00 AM to 06.00 PM on business days; And, the Town Hall Square from 08.00 AM to 12.00 PM all week. These zones are divided into areas of different hourly rates ranging from 0,30 EUR to 2,00 EUR. There are
parking meters which take payment with special parking cards or coins (most of them), or you can pay by sending a text message. The locations where parking is paid are clearly marked with appropriate road signs.
Free parking is allowed at weekends and during public holidays as well as at designated free parking zones e.g. the car park at the Akropolis Shopping and Entertainment Centre, the area along Karaliaus Mindaugo Street and the parking area near Kaunas Castle (until 12.00 PM).
IMPORTANT. Parking zones, prices and rules may change. Please check the traffic signs on the streets.
HOW TO GET TO KAUNAS CITY CENTER FROM THE VILNIUS AIRPORT? ARRIVING BY PLANE TO VILNIUS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Vilnius is easily accessible by air from all major European cities. It takes never more than three hours to fly from many European cities and "hubs" including Barcelona, Paris, Copenhagen, London, Frankfurt. The Vilnius International Airport is located just outside the centre of Vilnius.
It is only 7 km/15 min driving distance from the centre of the city. Access to the city is quick and inexpensive. Guests can use buses, train and taxi services. City buses No. 1, 2, 88, 3G run from/to the airport every 10-15 min. Buses No. 1, 2 go to the train station. Bus No. 3G goes to the city center and north over the river past Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva, the biggest
conference hotel in Vilnius. Bus No. 88 goes to the City Centre, Old Town and north over the river, passing by many Vilnius hotels.
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Buses are located outside the Arrival Hall. Tickets can be bought from the driver for 1 Eur. A special train runs from Vilnius Airport to the main train station. The journey takes just seven minutes. The airport train station includes a passenger lift and is located directly in front of the airport. Tickets are sold on board for just 0,70 Eur. Train schedule can be found at www.litrail.lt. Taxis can be found outside the Arrival Hall or they can be ordered in Vilnius Tourist Information Centre at the Arrival Hall A. The price for a taxi from the airport to the city centre is around 10 Eur. For up-to-date information on flights, schedules, new routes and airlines see www.vno.lt
A. Arriving by train. There are trains from Vilnius airport to Vilnius Railway Station. We recommend you buy
tickets to Kaunas in the Railway Station because there is an additional 1,5 € fee if you buy them directly from the conductor on the train.
B. and C. As both Vilnius Railway Station and Vilnius Bus Station are across the street you can choose which way of transportation you prefer. To get there you need to take bus No. 1 or 2 going from Vilnius airport to Stotis.
When you arrive in Kaunas Railway Station you can go to the city center on foot (just a ten minute walk) or catch a trolleybus No. 5,7, 14 or 15 leaving from the Geležinkelio stotis bus stop. To get there you need to go through underground crossing and follow directions 'to the city'. There are few bus stops with the same name so make sure that you are in the right one. Use Trafi app or Google maps to check next bus stop - it should be Autobusu stotis. To reach city center and the main venue you need to get off the bus at the S. Daukanto g. bus stop. ARRIVING BY TRAIN Lithuania has a well-developed rail network. Direct rail links between Lithuania and Belarus, Russia and Poland provide convenient and inexpensive connections. Vilnius is the focal point for rail connections in the region. Vilnius Railway Station is situated close to the Old Town, just across the street from the bus station.
You will get to the Old Town in ten minutes on foot going straight ahead down the hill. The city centre can be reached by trolleybuses No. 1, 2, 7, 20 and buses No. 1G, 53. Taxis are parked up in a number of places nearby.
Routes and schedules are available at www.litrail.lt ARRIVING BY BUS There is a choice of international bus lines connecting Vilnius with other European cities. There are direct buses to the capital city from many European countries. Routes and schedules are available at www.eurolines.lt and www.ecolines.lt.
The city’s bus station is centrally located. It is only a five-minute walk distance to the main train station and ten minutes to the Old Town.
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Public transport can be found in the immediate area. The city centre can be reached by trolleybuses No. 1, 2, 7, 20 and buses No. 1G, 53. Tickets can be bought from the driver for 1 Eur. Taxis are parked up in a number of places near the station.
BY CAR Vilnius can be reached by using the following routes:
Vilnius – Kaunas – Klaipėda, highway A1 (E67, E85, E28) 311,40 km Vilnius – Ukmergė - Panevėžys, highway A2 (E272) 135,92 km Vilnius – Minsk, highway A3 (E28) 33,99 km Vilnius – Varėna – Gardinas, highway A4 34,46 km Vilnius – Utena, highway A14 95,60 km Vilnius – Šalčininkai – Lyda, highway A15 (E85) 49,28 km Vilnius – Prienai – Marijampolė, highway A16 (E28) 137,51 km
Speed limits for motorcars on highways from 1 April to 31 October is 130 km/h, from 1 November to 31 March -110 km/h. On roads with asphalt or concrete pavement the speed limit is 90 km/h, on other roads the speed limit is 70 km/h. Road Traffic Regulations. Traffic drives on the right side of the road in Lithuania. Summer tyres must be used between 1 April and 10 November, and winter tyres between 10 November and 1 April. During the daytime, drivers of motor vehicles and motorbikes must drive with dipped headlights.
ACCOMMODATIONS Reservations and all accommodation are the responsibility of participants. More information: http://visit.kaunas.lt/en/accommodation/ Special prices for conference participants offered:
BEST WESTERN SANTAKA**** J. Gruodžio g. 21, Kaunas +370 37 302 702 [email protected] www.santakahotel.eu Please, inquire about special price for Global MIL Week
Conference attendants. KAUNAS**** Laisvės al. 79, Kaunas +370 37 750 850 [email protected] www.kaunashotel.lt Please, inquire about special price for Global MIL Week Conference attendants.
EUROPA ROYALE KAUNAS**** Miško g. 11, Kaunas +370 37 407 500 [email protected] www.europaroyale.lt Please, inquire about special price for Global MIL Week Conference attendants.
PARK INN KAUNAS**** K. Donelaičio g. 27, Kaunas
+370 37 306 100 [email protected] www.parkinn.com/hotel-kaunas Please, inquire about special price for Global MIL Week Conference attendants. Reservation link: https://goo.gl/XEeedD METROPOLIS*** S. Daukanto g. 21, Kaunas +370 37 205 992 [email protected] www.metropolishotel.lt Please, inquire about special price for Global MIL Week Conference attendants. BABILONAS *** Žalioji g. 38A, Kaunas +370 37 202 545 [email protected] www.babilonas.lt Please, inquire about special price for conference attendants. BEST BALTIC KAUNAS**** 12 A. Mickevičiaus g. 28, Kaunas +370 37 321 505 [email protected] www.bestbaltichotels.eu
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Please, inquire about special price for Global MIL Week Conference attendants.
Other hotel suggestions in/near Kaunas city centre: BEST BALTIC KAUNAS**** A. Mickevičiaus g. 28, Kaunas +370 37 321 505 [email protected] www.bestbaltichotels.eu HOF HOTEL****
Maironio g. 21A, Kaunas +370 655 37 000 [email protected] www.hofhotel.eu/ IBIS KAUNAS CENTRE** Vytauto pr. 28, Kaunas +370 37 265 600 [email protected] www.ibishotel.com MAGNUS HOTEL*** Vytauto pr. 25, Kaunas +370 37 340 000 [email protected] www.magnushotel.lt/
Hotel suggestions in the old town: PERKŪNO NAMAI**** Perkūno al. 61, Kaunas +370 37 320 230 [email protected] www.perkuno-namai.lt DAUGIRDAS**** T. Daugirdo g. 4, Kaunas +370 37 301 561 [email protected] www.daugirdas.lt Hotel suggestions near Kaunas airport: AIRHOTEL Oro uosto g. 2, Karmėlava, Kauno raj. +370 691 70775 [email protected] http://www.airhotel.lt
ATTRACTIONS
Kaunas is a city full of culture with rich history, offering plenty of interesting landmarks and places to visit, fun things to do. As a starter guide, here are some of the most important Kaunastic locations every guest of Kaunas is kindly invited to explore.
TO SEE
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TOP ATTRACTIONS MONUMENTAL CHRIST'S RESURRECTION BASILICA It is the biggest basilica-type church in the Baltic States. The church was built in 1932–1940 after Lithuania regained independence. In 1922 the idea to build a church as a symbol of thank-you to God for freedom regained in the temporary capital Kaunas emerged. However, construction was stopped by the Soviet occupation. The building was confiscated and used as premises for the Radio factory (later called “Banga”) after the war. In 1990 the church was returned to congregation, during the restoration of the church some changes were made in its project. The space in the church is in the style of a basilica with three naves. The architecture is monumental and laconic; the tower is 70 meters high. Visitors have the possibility to go to the observation deck on the church roof to enjoy the panoramic view of the city. You can reach this object from the New Town by an uncommon means of transport in Europe, a funicular mounted in 1931.
Žemaičių g. 31A, Kaunas www.prisikelimas.lt 2,40 EUR - adults, 1,20 EUR - children, students, seniors March - September I–V 11:30 – 18:30, VII–VII 11:00 – 18:30 October - February I–V 12:00 – 18:00, VI–VII 11:00 – 18:00 PAŽAISLIS ABBEY ENSEMBLE It is one of the most beautiful ensembles of Baroque style in Lithuania. In the 17th century Kristupas Žygimantas Pacas (1621–1684), Chancellor of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, built the shrine for Camaldolese monks on the edge of Kaunas, in the remote forest at that time. The ensemble was designed by an Italian architect Giovanni Battista Frediani and decorated with moldings of Lombardy’s craftsmen and frescoes of a Florentine painter Mikelios Arkangelo Palonio. The peculiarity of the ensemble is determined by a unique architectural decision. About 140 frescoes of various sizes survived in the buildings of the monastery ensemble. You can see a famous painting “the Mother of Fair Love” in the monastery, which was presented to Kristupas Zigmantas Pacas, the founder of Pažaislis Church, by Pope Alexander VII in 1661. On 15 June 1992 Pažaislis monastery was returned to the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Casimir. Thanks to the sisters Pažaislis is becoming not only home of the congregation but also a spiritual centre. Pažaislis opens its gates for new public cultural traditions: the guests are introduced to artistic values of the monastery, meetings of culture actors with the society and poetry events are organized. Every summer, since 1996 more and more popular international Pažaislis Music Festival has taken place. In 2011 Sacral Museum of Ensemble of Pažaislis Monastery was opened in the southern part of the monastery. Educational programs take place in this museum. There is a unique Hospitality complex “Monte Pacis” next to the museum of Pažaislis Monastery where visiting guests may enjoy the dishes which reflect the latest trends of the gastronomy world, and which are inspired by the unique place and invaluable community with Sisters of St. Casimir.
T. Masiulio g. 31 www.pazaislis.org Adults - 4 EUR, children, students and seniors - 2 EUR II-V 10:00 - 17:00, VI 10:00 - 16:00 VILNIAUS STREET Vilniaus g. It is the central and most beautiful street of the Old Town. It is the oldest street in the city, part of the former medieval road to Vilnius. Following reconstruction it became exclusively pedestrian and continues to be the axis of the old town. Many of the buildings on the road were wooden. Later came the red-brick houses of wealthy citizens, some of which have survived to this day. This street has many cosy restaurants, cafés, souvenir shops, many events and fairs take place here in summer.
DEVILS MUSEUM It is the most unique and the only devils museum in the world. A famous Lithuanian painter, public figure and professor Antanas Žmuidzinavičius (1876–1966) started to assemble this collection which is widely known in the world now. The museum contains a collection of more than 3,000 devils: creations of fine and applied arts, souvenirs and masks not only from Lithuania but from around 70 countries. Every year thousands of guests who are interested in looking at this mythological creature visit the museum. You will find exhibits that correspond to your character features at The Devils’ Museum! There exists a great tradition: guests may present the museum with a devil.
V. Putvinskio g. 64, Kaunas www.ciurlionis.lt Adults - 3 EUR, schoolchildren, students, seniors - 1,5 EUR II-III 11:00 - 17:00, IV 11:00 - 19:00, V - VII 11:00 - 17:00 KAUNAS CASTLE The castle at the confluence of the Nemunas and Neris rivers was built in the 14th century to defend against the onslaught of crusaders. This is not only one of the first stone castles in Lithuania, but also the only one that has two rows of defensive walls. A settlement that grew into the current city was created around the Gothic defences. Kaunas castle first mentioned in written sources in 1361. According to legend, Queen Bona Sforza’s troops mysteriously disappeared in the tunnels underneath. Although it was restored multiple times, the castle lost its importance in 1408 when Kaunas was granted Magdeburg rights and the life of the whole city moved to the Market (Town Hall) Square. The castle was home to a prison in the 16th century and the souls of the prison’s inmates have not found peace to this very day, haunting the castle still by night. At present, the castle is a Kaunas city museum branch and annual cultural events are held in and around it. Santaka Park which is next to Kaunas Castle is called the heart of Kaunas. Here you can see the confluence of the rivers Nemunas and Neris and many places of interest: the altar where pagan rituals took place, Pope Hill visited by Pope John Paul II where he celebrated Mass in 1993, the Statue of Pope John Paul II, St. George the Martyr Church and Bernardine Monastery.
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Pilies g. 17, Kaunas www.kaunomuziejus.lt Adults - 2,50 EUR, children, students, seniors - 1,20 EUR September - May II-V 10:00 - 18:00, VI 10:00 - 17:00, June - August II-VI 10:00-18:00 , VII- 10:00-16:00 GEORGE MACIUNAS SQUARE J. Mačiūno a. It is probably the only square in the world that you can‘t get into. Nevertheless, it‘s the only square that you can‘t even see while looking from the sidewalk. George Maciunas would have been able to see it from his balcony at 1 Parodos street, if he hadn’t gone to the USA. But then, there would be no square at all. The iconic FLUXUS aztec symbol is drawn on the crossroad. The square was opened on July 20th, 2017. Author - the artist Naglis Rytis Baltušnikas. George Maciunas, the father of FLUXUS movement, was born in Kaunas, Lithuania. There’s a small memorial plaque on his childhood house and a FLUXUS room in the Kaunas picture gallery (K. Donelaičio g. 16).
THUNDER HOUSE Perkūnas House (Thunder House) is one of the most original and impressive residential houses of Gothic style in Lithuania, with the original eastern façade. Bricks of up to 16 different profiles were used in this façade, it is considered that the building was built in the late 15th century. The building is famous not only for stories about Hansa community merchants but also for the statue of God Perkūnas (Thunder) found in the wall of the building in the 19th century, which determined the name of this object. Supposedly, the name Perkūnas was given in order to honour traditions of paganism, the old Lithuanian faith. The first Drama theatre of Kaunas was established here in 1843, however at present Perkūnas House belongs to the Jesuit Gymnasium and houses the Memorial Museum of Adomas Mickevičius. This building is symbolically associated with Hansa merchants; therefore, it is one of the most popular places during Hansa celebrations.
Aleksoto g. 6, Kaunas www.perkunonamas.lt Adults – 2 EUR, children, student, senior – 1 EUR I - V 10:00 - 16:30 LAISVĖS AVENUE Laisvės al. When visiting Kaunas it is necessary to walk along the most important street of Kaunas in the New Town, which is one of the longest pedestrian streets in Europe. The length of the street is almost 1.7 kilometres and its layout clearly shows directions to the west and east. While walking along Kaunas Laisvės avenue, you can see Vytautas the Great’s Monument and the sculpture of Danielius Dolskis, the originator of interwar Lithuanian variety music (pop songs) next to the fountain. There are plenty of cafés, bars, restaurants and cosy little shops on Laisvės avenue. It is a favourite place for walking and meeting.
KAUNAS TOWN HALL The most important building in the Town Hall Square is Town Hall. Construction began in 1542. The stately
building is filled with a Gothic, Baroque, and early Classicist spirit; a tall, slender tower like a swan’s neck sprouts in the sky the main facade. Town Hall is often referred to as the White Swan because of its shape and colour. Its 53 meter-high tower is the tallest in the Old Town. The current Town Hall is not the first in Kaunas. The preceding one was destroyed by fire and then rebuilt. Through various centuries, the purpose of the Town Hall changed: this is where the city’s markets, fairs, and trials took place; 9 wax melting furnaces, a prison, and warehouses were operated under the Town Hall building cobblestones. Currently, the Town Hall holds ceremonies and official events. At the town hall entrance you can see a unique 15th century wax melting furnace. One of Kaunas City Museum department is located in the Town Hall (www.kaunomuziejus.lt). Its departments accumulate works of city history, science and industry, culture and the arts, and archaeology, as well as audiovisual materials. It is symbolic that the museum unveiled a commemorative plaque to Władysław Starewicz, a puppet animation pioneer, often called the European Walt Disney. Starewicz worked in the building for a while. A memorial plaque to him is held by insect sculptures depicting the director’s three main cartoon characters: a stag-beetle, an ant, and a grasshopper.
Rotušės a. 15, Kaunas www.kaunomuziejus.lt Adults - 2,50 EUR, children, students, seniors - 1,20 EUR II-VI 10:00 - 18:00, VII 10:00 - 16:00 OFFICERS’ PALACE Officers’ Palace is mostly pompous building of the late interwar period of Lithuania, built in 1937. It is distinguished for ‘national“ style and patriotic symbols. The palace is made up of local building materials served for state representation as well as for public needs.This object is the seat of officers’ club and its decorative architecture testifies of honorable status of officers in interwar period of Lithuania. The architects of the building are Stasys Kudokas, Kazys Kriščiukaitis, Jonas Kova-Kovalskis, engineer Anatolijus Rozenbliumas.
A. Mickevičiaus g. 19, Kaunas M. K. ČIURLIONIS NATIONAL ART MUSEUM Established in 1921, the M. K. Čiurlionis National Museum of Art has turned into one of the oldest and largest art museums in Lithuania. It is the best place in Lithuania to become acquainted with the development of Lithuanian and international art history and culture, from ancient times to the present day.The primary mission of the museum today is to encourage the understanding of the cultural and artistic processes by collecting, protection, studying and introducing the M. K. Čiurlionis collection, together with Lithuanian and worldwide cultural heritage.
V. Putvinskio g. 55, Kaunas www.ciurlionis.lt Adults - 4 EUR, schoolchildren and seniors - 2 EUR II-III 11:00 - 17:00, IV 11:00 - 19:00, V-VII 11:00 - 17:00 SUGIHARA HOUSE Sugihara house was a Japanese consulate in 1939-1940 where a famous Japanese diplomat Chiune Sugihara have been working. This diplomat became famous when he saved the lives of about 10,000 Lithuanian, Polish and
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German Jews during the years of World War II. He issued “life visas” to Japan without any official approval of Japanese Government. Many Jews called the gates which once were next to the house the “gates of hope”. On 2 August 1940 all foreign consulates in Lithuania were closed; however, the Japanese consulate moved to the accommodation of the Kaunas restaurant Metropolis and continued to issue visas. Even before leaving Lithuania and sitting at the table on the railway platform Sugihara managed to issue several tens of visas. In 1999 the museum was founded by the efforts of Lithuanian and Belgian intellectuals and businessmen, seeking to commemorate the Japanese diplomat. The museum exhibits Chiune Sugihara’s life moments and stories of his saved people and their relatives who live all over the world.
Vaižganto g. 30, Kaunas
Adults - 3 EUR; children, students, seniors - 1,50 EUR (November - April): I – V 11 AM – 3 PM; (May - October): I – V 10 AM – 5 PM, VI – VII 11 AM – 4 PM. KAUNAS CENTRAL POST OFFICE Central post building is one of the most important representative buildings of interwar period, contemporary centre of communication constructed in 1930 – 1932. It is mostly valuable symbol of national modernistic architecture. Folk accents in the building are reflected by wood carvings on window rims, cement cornices, interior boasts of ceramic floor laid in national weave texture. The architect F.Vizbaras.
Laisvės al. 102, Kaunas
MORE KAUNASTIC ATTRACTIONS: MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES More information: http://visit.kaunas.lt/en/to-see/museums-and-galleries/ INTERWAR ARCHITECTURE More information: http://visit.kaunas.lt/en/to-see/interwar-architecture/ WOOD BASED ARCHITECTURE More information: http://visit.kaunas.lt/en/to-see/wood-based-architecture/ NATURE More information: http://visit.kaunas.lt/en/to-see/nature/ SHRINES More information: http://visit.kaunas.lt/en/to-see/shrines/ ROUTES More information: http://visit.kaunas.lt/en/to-see/routes/ KAUNAS DISTRICT More information: https://www.kaunorajonas.lt/en/
TO DO: EVENTS You can find all the information about upcoming events in Kaunas here: http://visit.kaunas.lt/en/to-do/events/ TOURS Top sightseeing tours in Kaunas: http://visit.kaunas.lt/en/to-do/tours/ CULTURE, CINEMA Kaunas is full of culture. If you are looking for rich cultural evening here is a list of the places you could visit: http://visit.kaunas.lt/en/to-do/culture-cinema/ SHOPPING If you decide to go shopping in Kaunas, here are some of the best places: http://visit.kaunas.lt/en/to-do/shopping/ FOR CHILDREN If you are traveling with your family and children, here are some of the best activities: http://visit.kaunas.lt/en/to-do/for-children/
More information:
http://visit.kaunas.lt/en/kaunastic/ https://issuu.com/kaunaspilnaskultros
RESTAURANTS This gastro guide will help you find the best place for lunch, light snacks, coffee or an evening drink.
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More information: http://visit.kaunas.lt/en/eat-and-drink/
BEST OF TRADITIONAL CUISINE IN/NEAR LAISVĖS AVENUE
RESTAURANT "VIŠTA PUODE" (CHICKEN IN A BOWL) S. Daukanto g. 23, Kaunas www.vištapuode.lt I - VII 08:00 - 23:00 BERNELIŲ SMUKLĖ (CITY CENTER) K. Donelaičio g. 11, Kaunas www.berneliuuzeiga.lt
IN THE OLD TOWN BERNELIŲ SMUKLĖ (OLD TOWN) Valančiaus g. 11, Kaunas www.berneliuuzeiga.lt
RESTAURANTS IN/NEAR LAISVĖS AVENUE CASA DELLA PASTA (LAISVĖS AL.) Laisvės al. 27, Kaunas. http://facebook.com/CasaDellaPastaRestoranas I-VII 11:00 - 23:00 VII 12:00 - 22:00 UOKSAS Maironio g. 28, Kaunas www.uoksas.eu I 12:00 - 20:00 II- IV 12:00 - 22:00 V - VI 12:00 - 23:00 VII 12:00 - 18:00 DIA Maironio g. 9, Kaunas www.restoranasdia.lt I - IV 11:00 - 22:00 V 11:00 - 00:00 VI 12:00 - 00:00 VII 14:00 - 22:00 DIVERSO K. Donelaičio g. 27, Kaunas www.parkinn.lt/hotel-kaunas MIESTO SODAS Laisvės al. 93, Kaunas www.miestosodas.lt I - IV 11:00 - 23:00 V - VI 11:00 - 24:00 VII 11:00 - 22:00 DANIELA A. Mickevičiaus g. 28, Kaunas danielahotel.lt GRILL LONDON (LAISVĖS AL.) Laisvės al. 72, Kaunas grilllondon.lt I - VII 11:00 - 24:00
ROJALIS K. Donelaičio g. 66, Kaunas https://www.facebook.com/RestoranasRojalis/ I - 11:00 - 21:00 II - III 11:00 - 22:00 IV - VI 11:00 - 23:00 VII 12:00 - 21:00 METROPOLIS S. Daukanto g. 21, Kaunas http://restoranasmetropolis.lt/ 55* Laisvės al. 79, Kaunas www.kaunashotel.lt European BUON GIORNO TRATTORIA S. Daukanto g. 14, Kaunas www.buongiorno.lt I - VII 11:00 - 23:00 ARCHITEKTAI K.Donelaičio g. 62 / V.Putvinskio g. 53, Kaunas https://www.facebook.com/restoranasarchitektai/ I - V 08:00 - 19:00 TALUTTI - BAKES'N'SHAKES CITY Vasario 16-osios g. 2, Kaunas http://www.talutti.lt/ I-IV 11:00 a.m. -11:00 p.m. V-VI 11:00 a.m. - 01:00 a.m. VII 11:00 a.m. -11:00 p.m. American food TRATTORIA PICCOLA ITALIA Maironio 22, Kaunas www.piccolaitalia.lt I - IV 11:00 - 22:00 V - VI 11:00 - 23:00 VII 12:00 - 20:00 BOKŠTAS Kestučio g. 86 / I. Kanto g. 18 Kaunas http://www.bajorukiemas.lt/bokstas/
PUTVINSKIO 48 V. Putvinskio g. 48, Kaunas
https://www.facebook.com/Putvinskio-48-1639043843013870/?fref=ts I - IV 09:00 - 22:00
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V 09:00 - 02:00 VI 11:00 - 02:00 VII 11:00 - 21:00 MAGNUS Vytauto pr. 25, Kaunas www.magnushotel.lt OPTIMISTAI
Vytauto pr. 32, Kaunas https://www.facebook.com/restoranas.optimistai/ EUROPA ROYALE KAUNAS Miško g. 11, Kaunas www.europaroyale.lt
IN/NEAR THE OLD TOWN EUROPA Gruodžio g. 21, Kaunas www.santakahotel.eu MEDŽIOTOJŲ UŽEIGA Rotušės a. 10, Kaunas www.medziotojai.lt I - VII 11:00 - 24:00 REŽISIERIUS Vilniaus g. 10, Kaunas www.rezisierius.lt I - IV 12:00 - 00:00 V - VI 12:00 - 02:00 VII 12:00 - 00:00 L’ARTISAN T. Daugirdo g. 4, Kaunas www.daugirdas.lt I - VII 12:00 - 23:00 AVILYS Vilniaus g. 34, Kaunas www.avilys.lt I - IV 12:00 - 24:00 V - VI 12:00 - 02:00 VII 12:00 - 24:00 ANTIS Rotušės a. 1, Kaunas http://antisresto.weebly.com/ European SENIEJI RŪSIAI Vilniaus g. 34, Kaunas www.seniejirusiai.lt I- IV 11:00 - 24:00 V 11:00 - 01:00 VI 12:00 - 01:00 VII 12:00 - 23:00 GURMĖ M. Valančiaus g. 7, Kaunas www.gurme.lt YAKATA M. Valančiaus g. 14, Kaunas www.yakata.lt I - IV 11:00 - 22:00
V - VI 11:00 - 23:00 VII 11:00 - 22:00 FOXES GRILL & LOBSTER Vilniaus g. 28 https://www.facebook.com/foxesgrillandlobster/ SOUL Rotušės a. 3, Kaunas www.soul.lt I - II 11:00–22:00 III-IV 11:00–23:00 V-VI 11:00–1:00 VII 11:00–22:00 JURGIS IR DRAKONAS Kurpių g. 26, Kaunas http://jurgisirdrakonas.lt I-VII 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. ČIOP ČIOP Palangos g. 9, Kaunas http://kaunas.ciopciop.lt/ PILIES SODAS Pilies 12, Kaunas. http://www.piliessodas.lt/ I - III 11:00-23:00 IV - VI 11:00 - 00:00 VII 11:00 - 23:00 RHODOS Vilniaus g. 38, Kaunas I - IV 12:00 - 21:00 V - VI 12:00 - 01:00 VII 12:00 - 20:00 GRILL LONDON (VILNIAUS G.) Vilniaus g. 13, Kaunas http://www.grilllondon.lt/ I - VII 11:00 - 24:00 COSA NOSTRA Palangos g. 9, Kaunas https://www.facebook.com/cosanostrakaunas/ AL CANTUCCIO Muitinės g. 1-2, Kaunas https://www.facebook.com/Alcanntucio/
CAFES FOR LIGHT SNACK IN/NEAR LAISVĖS AVENUE
101 KEPYKLĖLĖ Laisvės al. 42, Kaunas
www.101kepyklele.lt
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ALKAVA A. Mickevičiaus g. 40, Kaunas www.alkava.lt ALI ŠOKOLADINĖ Laisvės al. 41, Kaunas https://www.facebook.com/alisokoladine/ I - VI 10:00 - 21:00 VII 10:00 - 20:00 KNYGŲ MINISTERIJA Laisvės al. 29, Kaunas https://www.facebook.com/knyguministerija/ I - V 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. VII 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. SPURGINĖ (THE DONUT PLACE) Laisvės al. 84, Kaunas
+370 37 200 355 I - V 08:30 - 20:00 VI - VII 09:00 - 19:00 PREZO KEPYKLĖLĖ (BAKERY) Laisvės al. 97, Kaunas http://prezo.lt/ I-V 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. VI-VII 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. PRESTO Laisvės alėja 90, Kaunas http://www.presto.lt/ I - V 08:00 - 21:00 VI - VII 09:00 - 21:00
IN THE OLD TOWN MOTIEJAUS KEPYKLĖLĖ Vilniaus g. 7, Kaunas I - VI 08:00 - 20:00 VII 09:00 - 18:00 KINGWINN Vilniaus gatvė 15 Kaunas https://www.facebook.com/pg/KingWinnLT CHOCOLATERIE Rotušės a. 26, Kaunas www.chocolateriech.com I -IV 8:00 - 21:00, V - VI 8:00 - 22:00, VII 10:00 - 21:00 ŠOKOLADINĖ M. Daukšos g. 48, Kaunas +370 686 42 840
[email protected] www.saldita.lt I - VII 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. KAVOS KLUBAS M. Valančiaus g. 19, Kaunas https://www.facebook.com/pg/Kavos-klubas-121011528317037/about/?ref=page_internal I - III - 9:00 a.m.- 10:00 p.m. IV - VI - 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. VII - 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. HOLY DONUT Vilniaus g. 37 Kaunas https://www.facebook.com/pg/HolyDonutKaunas/about/?ref=page_internal I - V 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. VI,VII 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
VINERIES, PUBS & SOCIAL BARS IN /NEAR LAISVĖS AVENUE BARAS KAMERINIS Kęstučio g. 74 Kaunas https://www.facebook.com/baraskamerinis/ HOLAS Laisves al.84b, Kaunas https://www.facebook.com/hollasbar/ APERITIVO Laisvės al. 27 Kaunas https://www.facebook.com/aperitivo.kaunas/ I - IV 17:00 - 23:00 V - VI 17:00 - 04:00 VII 17:00 - 23:00 VINGIU DUBINGIU ALUDĖ K. Donelaičio g. 41, A. Mickevičiaus g. 35 Kaunas
II - VI 16:00 - 01:00 BARDAKAS Laisvės al. 93, Kaunas https://www.facebook.com/BardakasKaunas/ I - III 18:00 - 01:00 IV 18:00 - 02:00 V - VI 18:00 - 04:00 VII 18:00 - 01:00 PUNTO JAZZ PALĖPĖ Kęstučio g. 6, Kaunas www.puntojazz.lt GINGER BAR K. Donelaičio g. 27 , Kaunas www.parkinn.lt/hotel-kaunas/restoranai-ir-baras I - V 08:00 - 24:00 V - VII 11:00 - 24:
IN THE OLD TOWN
PIANO PIANO Rotušės a. 4, Kaunas
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www.pianopiano.lt KLIMAS Rotušės a. 3, Kaunas I - VII 17:00 - 02:00 WHISKEY BAR "W 1640" Kurpių g. 29, Kaunas www.viskiobaras.lt/w1640/ II - IV 17:00 - 01:00 V - VI 17:00 - 05:00 2½ OBUOLIO Palangos g. 9, Kaunas II - IV 17:00 - 02:00 VI 14:00 - 04:00 YZY BAR Vilniaus g. 19, Kaunas www.facebook.com/YZYbar I-IV 12:00 - 00:00 V-VI 12:00 - 03:00 VII 12:00 - 00:00 JACK PUB Vilniaus g. 22, Kaunas https://www.facebook.com/jackpubas IV 18:00 - 00:00 V - VI 18:00 - 03:00 NISHA CRAFT BEER BAR Daukšos g. 29, Kaunas I - 15:00 - 21:00 II - III 15:00 - 00:00 IV - VI 15:00 - 01:00 VII 15:00 - 21:00
KAUKAS Vilniaus g. 34, Kaunas https://www.facebook.com/kaukasbar/ BO (BLUE ORANGE) Muitinės g. 9, Kaunas www.blueorange.lt I - IV 17.00- 02.00 V - VI 17.00 - 03.00 VII 17.00 - 02.00 REPUBLIC NO.1 Laisvės al.57, Kaunas www.pub.lt I - IV - 11:00 - 02:00 V - VI - 11:00 - 06:00 VII - 12:00 - 02:00 HOPDOC GASTROPUB Daukšos g. 23, Kaunas www.hopdoc.lt I - IV - 12:00 - 24:00 V - VI - 12:00 - 02:00 VII - 12:00 - 22:00 REPUBLIC NO. 3 Vilniaus g. 10, Kaunas www.pub.lt I - IV - 11:00 - 02:00 V - VI - 11:00 - 06:00 VII - 12:00 - 02:00 LITHUANIAN PUB ENTRY Vilniaus g. 26, Kaunas http://www.facebook.com/lithuanianpub I–VII 11:00–23:45
COFFEE LOVERS
COFFEEINE Laisvės al. 72 I-V 8-22 VI 10-22 VII 10-21 Laisvės al. 89 I-V 7-22 VI 10-22 VII 10-21 Vilniaus g. 3 I-V 7-22 VI 10-22 VERO CAFE Laisvės al. 45, Kaunas I-V 7:30-21:00 VI-VII 10:00-21:00 Laisvės al. 75, Kaunas I-VI 7:30-22:00 VI 9:00-22:00 VII 10:00-22:00
Laisvės al. 86, Kaunas I-V 7:30-22:00 VI 9:00-22:00 VII 10:00-22:00 Vilniaus g. 23, Kaunas I-IV 7:30-21:00 V 7:30-22:00 VI 10:00-22:00 VII 10:00-21:00 Vilniaus g. 18, Kaunas I-IV 7:30-22:00 V 7:30-23:00 VI 9:00-23:00 VII 10:00-22:00 www.verocafe.lt GREEN CAFÉ Laisvės al. 80, Kaunas I - V - 07:30 a.m. - 09:00 p.m. VI - 09:00 a.m. - 08:00 p.m. VII - 10:00 a.m. - 07:00 p.m. https://www.facebook.com/greencafe.europe Laisvės al. 46, Kaunas
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USEFUL INFORMATION LITHUANIA (LIETUVA)
Capital:Vilnius Time zone: UTC +2 Currency: Euro. Credit cards: Credit cards are widely accepted within Lithuania (at hotels, shops, and restaurants, travel
agencies, car-rental agencies etc.). Visa, MasterCard and Maestro are the most widely accepted. American Express is less common.
Official language: Lithuanian Country code: +370
CLIMATE AND WEATHER: The weather of Lithuania’s autumn changes all the time. The days are becoming misty, shorter, first frosts are coming. Sometimes in October you can observe sleet and snow, and sometimes at that time comes the Indian summer – a week or so when the weather is getting warmer and the days become full of sunshine and bright. Sometimes there is much wind in autumn upon some areas. Walking around you can notice a traditional autumn flower in Lithuania – a dahlia. In the last days of September people of Lithuania celebrate a harvest festival. Average temperature in September is about 12°C, in October – 7°C and the temperature in November is about 3°C. October
Max average t°: +11 °C (52 °F) Min average t°: +4 °C (39 °F) Sundial in the day: 3 hours Rainy days: 10 days Precipitation: 50 mm (2,0")
For more information about the weather: http://www.meteo.lt/en/web/guest/home-en
SAFETY Kaunas is a hospitable city much liked by tourists. Please, however, keep to the same safety rules as you do at home and leave no valuable possessions without supervision. If you have an emergency and need to call the police, the ambulance or firefighters, please call the emergency phone number 112. If there are no police officers who can talk in a language you know, you will be offered an interpreter (although you may have to wait until the interpreter arrives).
KAUNAS CITY POLICE HEADQUARTERS Vytauto pr. 91 Tel. +370 37 223 726
EMERGENCY NUMBERS:
General emergency: 112 Information line: 118 Technical Assistance on the road (24/7): 1414
HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS: Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor (ideally, 4-6 weeks) before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Lithuania for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you. It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use. More information: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/lithuania
24/7 PHARMACIES
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BENU Savanorių pr. 66 / Žemaičių g. 31 Tel. +370 37 205 796
INTERNET ACCESS: Lithuania is a country with some of the fastest internet in the world! The study carried out by British scholars found that Kaunas is one of the leading cities in the world in the development and quality of broadband communications, only giving way to Japan's major cities. There are many Free Web areas around the city, so upon arrival to our country on business, you do not need to sit with your computer in hotels and conference halls. Take it anywhere and go to work to cafes, the city's main streets, where you will easily connect to the Internet. Free Wi-Fi spots in Kaunas:
Kaunas Airport - "Invest Lithuania FREE WiFi KUN", Laisvės alėja (Liberty Avenue) - "Cgates free", Vilnius Street - "Cgates free", Rotušės aikštė (Town Hall Square) - "Cgates free" Kaunas bus station - "Stoties Wi-Fi" Kaunas train station - "Lietuvos geležinkeliai"
POWER SUPPLY: Electricity: 220V, C, F sockets.
TOURISM INFORMATION FRIENDLY PLACES Tourism information friendly places (TIF) are the places where you can find useful information - free city maps, city guide, in here you can get answers to most important questions about the city. All of the place above are marked with 'Tourism information friendly' stickers. Of course, this is just a list to begin to. More information: http://visit.kaunas.lt/en/information/tourism-information-friendly-places/ TOURIST INFORMATION: Get your daily tourism information fix at the official centres located at the Town hall (Rotušės a. 15), Kaunas airport and bus and railway stations. The staff will help you discover the most interesting routes, award you with maps and brochures, recommend the best brunch or dinner and help sign up for excursions. We’ve got souvenirs, too. KAUNAS TOWN HALL
Rotušės a. 15, Kaunas Tel. +370 616 509 91 Email [email protected]
Open: I-V 9.00 – 18.00 VI 10.00 – 16.00 VII 10.00 – 15.00
Break 13.00 – 14.00
2. RIGA, LATVIA About host country Latvia lies along the shores of the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga, and it is bounded by Estonia to the north, Russia to the east, Belarus to the southeast, and Lithuania to the south. After a brief period of independence between the two World Wars, Latvia was annexed by the USSR in 1940. It re-established its independence in 1991 following the
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breakup of the Soviet Union. Not much more than a decade after it regained independence during the demise of the Soviet Union, Latvia was welcomed as a member of the European Union in May 2004. The move came a matter of weeks after it joined Nato. For centuries Latvia was primarily an agricultural country, with seafaring, fishing and forestry as other important economic factors. Like its Baltic neighbours, Latvia has made a rapid transition to the free market since the early 1990s. About host city Rīga, founded in 1201, has always been the political, economic, and cultural centre of Latvia. In its 800 years of turbulent history, everyone from German knights to Swedish kings and Soviet commissars have left their footprints, and today Latvia’s capital is an exciting European metropolis at the crossroads of eastern and northern Europe. Nowadays, around one third of Latvia’s population lives and works there. The Gothic spires that dominate Rīga's cityscape might suggest austerity, but it is the flamboyant art nouveau that forms the flesh and the spirit of this vibrant cosmopolitan city, the largest of all three Baltic capitals. Like all northerners, it is quiet and reserved on the outside, but there is some powerful chemistry going on inside its hip bars, modern art centres, and in the kitchens of its cool experimental restaurants. The Historical Centre of Rīga is listed by UNESCO as one of the world’s most important cultural and architectural sites. Rīga has hosted a NATO summit, a World Ice Hockey Championship, the Eurovision Song Contest, and many other large-scale international events: in 2014, Rīga was the European Capital of Culture; in 2015, it was home to the Latvian Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Rīga’s cityscape represents the multi-layered history of Latvia from the Middle Ages until today. Art Nouveau and wooden buildings of the 19th century are trademarks of Rīga, although the architecture is a mix of everything – from medieval houses to apartment blocks of Soviet times, and the contemporary architecture that makes Rīga so special.
ARRIVING “TRANSPORTATION” HOW TO GET TO RIGA CITY CENTRE FROM THE RIGA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT? BY TAXI “Red Cab” and “Baltic Taxi” are located right outside the arrival terminal. For groups up to 8 people, mini vans are available. The taxi trip to the city centre normally takes about 15-20 minutes. Taxify Taxify is an easy-to-use app that connects riders with the best local drivers at the best prices. It is possible to pay in cash or add your credit card to the app and it’ll be automatically charged when you arrive.
Get the app for iPhone and Android here: https://taxify.eu/cities/riga/
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION Bus No. 22 and express bus No. 322 connects Riga International Airport with city centre. The bus stop is
located right outside the main entrance, across the parking lot. Bus trip takes around half an hour.
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Bus schedule can be found here: https://www.rigassatiksme.lv/en/; Express bus schedule can be found here: http://marsruti.lv/rigasmikroautobusi/#expressbus/322/b-a/en
HOW TO GET TO RIGA CITY CENTRE FROM THE RIGA INTERNATIONAL COACH TERMINAL? The Riga International Coach Terminal is located right next to the city centre, in a five-minute walk to enter the side of the old-town. The shortest way to do it is to walk through the underground tunnel that leads to the Aspazijas boulevard (Aspazijas bulvāris).
From Riga International Coach Terminal, it will take you around ten minutes to reach one of the central objects of Riga city centre – The Freedom Monument.
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Local transportation in Riga Riga has four methods of public transportation – tram, trolleybus, bus and rail. Tram, trolley and bus Public transport operates between 5:30 and 23:30. Timetables, fares and purchase information are available in Latvian, Russian and English at www.rigassatiksme.lv. The web-site also provides information on the price of tickets and where they can be purchased. Even though tickets can be purchased from the driver (EUR 2,00), it is cheaper to purchase an e-ticket at street kiosks and select shops. It is possible to purchase an e-ticks for:
one ride EUR 1,15, five rides EUR 5,75, ten rides EUR 10,90 and twenty rides EUR 20,70. It is also possible to purchase a 24-hour ticket EUR 5,00, a three-day ticket EUR 10,00, or a five-day ticket EUR 15,00.
Rail transport It is also possible to get around Riga by rail, which costs EUR 0,70 per ride within city limits. It is possible to see a route map of rail transportation within Riga city limits, as well as timetables at www.pv.lv (Latvian, English, Russian)
ACCOMMODATIONS Hotel suggestions in city centre: Radisson Blu Latvija Conference & Spa Hotel **** Elizabetes iela 55, Riga, LV-1010 +371 67 772 222 [email protected] https://www.radissonblu.com/en/latvijahotel-riga
Astor Riga Hotel **** Z.A.Meierovica Blvd. 10, Riga, LV-1050 +371 67 217 777 https://www.radissonblu.com/en/latvijahotel-riga E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] www.astorrigahotel.lv Tallink Hotel Riga **** Elizabetes iela 24, Riga, LV-1050 +371 6709 9760 [email protected] https://www.tallinkhotels.com/tallink-hotel-riga/ Clarion Collection Hotel Valdemars *** K. Valdemara iela 23, Riga, LV-1010 +371 67 33 44 62 [email protected] https://www.nordicchoicehotels.com/hotels/latvia/riga/clarion-collection-hotel-valdemars/ Hotel Radi un Draugi *** Marstalu iela 3, Riga, LV-1050 +371 67820200
[email protected] www.hotelradiundraugi.lv Wellton Centrum Hotel & SPA **** Valnu iela 49, Riga, Latvia +371 67869950 [email protected] https://www.wellton.com/en
Ibis Riga Centre Hotel *** Marijas iela 5, Riga, LV-1050 +371 67 815 460 [email protected] http://ibisrigacentre.lv Mercure Riga Centre **** Elizabetes iela 101, Riga, LV-1050 +371 67 869 900 [email protected] http://mercureriga.lv/en/home/ Rixwell Hotel Konventa Sēta *** Kalēju iela 9/11, Riga, LV-1050 +371 60 008 700 [email protected] http://www.rixwell.com Hotel Tia *** Kr. Valdemara iela 63, Riga, LV-1010 +371 67333918, +371 67331407 [email protected] http://hoteltia.com/en/
Hotel suggestions near the airport: Sky High Hotel Airport *** Riga Airport, LV-1053 +371 67 667950 [email protected] http://airport-hotel.lv/en
Airport Hotel Mara *** Kalnciema street 186, Mārupes raj. LV-2167 +371 67702718 [email protected] http://hotelmara.lv/?home
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Hotel suggestions located near the Youth Agenda Forum venue – Academic Centre for Natural Sciences of University of Latvia (approximately 10-15 minutes’ walk from the old town): OK Hotel *** Slokas iela 12, Rīga, LV-1048 +371 67 860 050 [email protected] https://www.okhotel.lv Primo Hotel *** Nometnu iela 62, Riga, LV-1002 +371 25888777, +371 67454571 [email protected] www.primohotel.lv Hotel Albatross *** Mukusalas iela 56, Riga, LV-1004, +371 67621310 [email protected]
http://albatross.riga-all-hotels.com/en/
Bellevue Park Hotel Riga **** Slokas iela 1, Riga, LV-1048 +371 67069000 [email protected] https://hotelbellevue.lv/en Radisson Blu Daugava Hotel **** Kugu iela 24, Riga, LV-1048 +371 6706 1111 [email protected] https://www.radissonblu.com/en/hotel-riga
ATTRACTIONS “100 years in one day” is created for Latvia’s centenary and is a virtual guide for exploring the 100-year history of Latvia. Here you will find information on the most significant tourist attractions, museums and memorial sites in Riga and also learn important facts about Latvia’s history, from the foundation of the Latvian state to nowadays. This website also provides three combined routes that will help you to explore Riga as much as possible – even if you’re only staying in for one day. More information: http://100in1.lv/en/ More about sightseeing, walking tours, museums and galleries, shopping, nightlife and active leisure in Riga can be found in “LiveRiga” webpage. It also offers a calendar for the upcoming events (concerts, exhibitions, sports events etc.) in Riga. More information: https://www.liveriga.com/en/ Some of the top sights in Riga The Old Town The Old Town is the oldest section of Riga as well as the center of the city. It is the city’s most popular area with tourists. In 1997, Riga's historic center was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Address: Rīgas Centrs, Vecrīga Dome Square Dome Square is the largest square in the Old Town. It is deemed to be the heart of the city as all activities meet here, flowing in from seven streets like seven arteries. The square has seen many events significant to Latvia in the past 20 years. The square has a marked point where you can stand and see all three golden cockerels on top of Old Town's churches. The square itself is surrounded by buildings from the 19th and early 20th century. Freedom Monument The Freedom Monument has been Riga's central landmark for almost a century. This 42.7 m tall granite and copper work of art is a symbol of the Latvian nation's striving for freedom and independence. The woman on top of the monument is holding up three golden stars, which represent Latvia's historical regions of Kurzeme, Vidzeme, and Latgale. The motto "For the Fatherland and Freedom" is inscribed upon the base. It was unveiled on 18 November 1935 and financed entirely from public donations. More information: www.vietas.lv St. Peter’s Church Riga's St.Peter's Church dominates the cityscape as the tallest spire, and as one of the oldest and most valuable monumental architecture edifices in the Baltic States from the Middle Ages. St.Peter's is the tallest of the Riga
churches, a significant landmark, and a prime example of the 13th century Gothic style. Address: Reformācijas laukums 1 Telephone: + 371 67229426 Web: www.peterbaznica.riga.lv Latvian National Opera and Ballet Riga’s White House – the Latvian National Opera and Ballet, has always been the pride of the nation, which over the years has produced many prominent conductors, ballet dancers and world class opera stars. In total, the opera sees over 200 performances and several symphonic and chamber music concerts a season. Address: Aspazijas bulvāris 3 Telephone: +371 67073777 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.opera.lv Museum of the Occupation of Latvia “Remember. Commemorate. Remind” – that is the motto is this private museum which tells about the tragic history of Latvia’s occupation. The museum’s exhibition tells about the first Soviet occupation period from 1940 to 1941, the German occupation period from 1941 to 1945, and the second Soviet occupation period from 1945 to 1991. Address: Raiņa Boulevard 7 More information: http://okupacijasmuzejs.lv/en/ Latvian National Museum of Art Latvian National Museum of Art is the most significant depository in the nation for works of art. Reopened in May 2016, the building itself has been upgraded,
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modernized but its majestic beauty from a long-gone era - preserved. Address: Jaņa Rozentāla laukums 1 More information: www.lnmm.lv National Library of Latvia Just a bridge span from Old Town, on the left bank of the Daugava, looms an extraordinary, culturally significant edifice, the Castle of Light - the new National Library. The new library building houses a modern information centre and ample space for cultural and social events, offering one and all multi-themed reading rooms and access to rare books and audio/video recordings besides the usual printed matter. Address: Mūkusalas iela 3 Telephone: +371 67806110 Web: www.lnb.lv Latvian National Theatre Sources note that November 18, 1918 was a cool and cloudy day. Over 1,200 people had gathered at the Riga
City Second Theatre (now Latvian National Theatre) for a very important premiere. The stage lights on this night were being directed at 37 men and one lady – 38 Latvians who were taking the stage for a very clear objective: declaring the new independent Republic of Latvia. Address: Kronvalda bulvāris 2 More information: https://teatris.lv Riga Central Market Riga's Central Market is one of the largest covered market places in Europe, functioning largely unchanged since opening way back in 1930. Some 70,000 people, a 10th of Riga's population can visit in a single day. This makes it the perfect place to discover the food culture of the city and the country. Address: Nēģu iela 7 Telephone: +371 67229985 E-mail: [email protected] More information: www.rct.lv
RESTAURANTS Thanks to a creative and enthusiastic generation of chefs, there are now numerous world-class restaurants in Latvia serving exquisite local and international cuisine. Riga in particular offers a large variety of culinary – from Italian to Indian and Japanese – you can find something from almost all corners of the world. Old town Riga is buzzing with different types of restaurants, coffee houses, bars and vineries that vary in their prices and concepts from fairly modest to luxurious. Search for Riga’s best restaurants, cafes, tea houses and wine bars here: https://www.liveriga.com/en/81-restaurants “Top 10 Restaurants in Riga” (2017) by White Guide: http://www.latvia.travel/en/top/top-10-restaurants-riga Latvian traditional food is closely tied to the environment in which it developed. Latvia usually experiences long, cold winters which means that foods like pork, cabbage, potatoes and other root vegetables feature prominently. However, you can also find a wide range of berries and mushrooms, various types of fish and wilder components such as venison, wild boar and even beaver. Find a list of restaurants that offer traditional Latvian cousin in Riga here: https://www.liveriga.com/en/81-restorani?type%5B%5D=86 “8 Latvian Dishes You Need to Try in Riga” listed by tripsavvy: https://www.tripsavvy.com/foods-to-try-in-riga-latvian-cuisine-4154007
USEFUL INFORMATION LATVIA (LATVIJA)
Capital: Riga Time zone: UTC +2 Currency: Euro Credit cards: Credit cards are widely accepted within Latvia (at hotels, shops, and restaurants, travel
agencies, car-rental agencies etc.). Visa, MasterCard and Maestro are the most widely accepted. Official language: Latvian Country code: +371
RIGA PASS
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RIGA PASS OFFERS:
Free public transportation; Sightseeing tours free of charge or at discount price; Free admission to museums, or lower fees; Reduced prices in restaurants.
PRICE LIST/RIGA PASS: 24h - € 25 48h - € 30 72h - € 35
Purchases on-line at LiveRiga.com - 10% DISCOUNT! WHERE TO RECEIVE / BUY RIGA PASS: "WELCOME TO RIGA!" OFFICE AT RIGA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Phone : 1187, +371 67207999 E-mail: [email protected] Working hours: 00:00 - 24:00
RIGA TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE,
Address: Rātslaukums 6, Riga Phone : +371 6703 7900 E-mail: [email protected] Working hours: 10:00-18:00
Internet access Riga has the largest number of free Wi-Fi hotspots per square kilometre in Europe, which is why in the summer of 2014 Riga became the European capital of free Wi-Fi. The city has three Lattelecom-free Wi-Fi points per square kilometre. Free wireless internet can also be accessed in most hotels, cafes and taxis. To use the freely available Wi-Fi, look for a sign showing the nearest access point and choose one of the free
wireless connections. To use a Lattelecom-free connection you have to open a browser watch a 15-second message, after which you can use the internet free of charge for the next 30 minutes after 30 minutes the connection process must be repeated.
You can also access computers with an internet connection: just visit one of the internet cafes that can be found all around Riga, or find one in one of the many popular public places. More information on connecting to the free Wi-Fi is available at www.wifi.lv in Latvian, Russian and English. 24/7 Pharmacy BENU Pharmacy (Aleksandra Čaka iela 104, Rīga, LV-1011); +371 67 314 211 Emergency numbers:
General emergency: 112 Information line: 1188 24-hour information hotline available for foreigners which provides essential information in English and
Russian: +371 67181818
3. TRIP TO TALLINN, ESTONIA AFTER THE FEATURE EVENTS
ABOUT ESTONIA Estonia is the most northerly of the three Baltic states, and has linguistic ties with Finland. Since regaining its independence with the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Estonia has become one of the most economically
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successful of the European Union's newer eastern European members. Ruled at various times during the middle ages by Denmark, the German knights of the Livonian Order, and Sweden, Estonia ended up part of the Russian Empire in the 18th century. It experienced its first period of independence in 1918, following the end of the First World War and the collapse of the Russian Empire. ABOUT TALLINN Tallinn is the capital city of Estonia and a perfect holiday destination if you want to combine the comforts of modern world, versatile nightlife and luxurious adventures with rich cultural scene in the local historical setting. First established in the early medieval era, today’s Tallinn is an exciting mix of old and new. Here’s the good news: with Tallinn being such a compact, green capital, you can cover a lot in just a weekend and enjoy short scenic strolls while at it. Tallinn Old Town is one of the best-preserved Hanseatic town centres in the world. A stone’s throw away you’ll find the city’s business centre with modern towers and luxurious hotels, trendy neighbourhoods and large shopping centres. The coastal vibe Tallinn’s luring coastline dotted with promenades and sandy beaches is especially rewarding during the summer but offers scenic views of the iconic cityscape throughout the year. Easy to access Tallinn is the first point of entry to Estonia for most visitors, and if you’re the kind of person who likes to jump right in, then you’re in luck, as Tallinn city centre is never more than 15 minutes’ drive away regardless of if you happen to arrive by plane, train, coach or ferry. More information can be found here:
https://www.visittallinn.ee/eng/visitor/plan/good-to-know/tallinn-and-estonia https://www.visitestonia.com/en/where-to-go/tallinn
HOW TO GET TO TALLINN FROM RIGA By plane
Time: ~ 3 hours (1 h of flying + 1,5 h at airports + 0.5h transport from or to city centre) How: Latvian airline AirBaltic provides on average 4 flights per day from Riga International Airport to Tallinn
Airport. Flight schedules and more information can be found here: https://www.airbaltic.com/en-LV/index By bus
Time: 4 hours 30 minutes How: coach operators Ecolines, Eurolines and Lux Express all provide international coach routes from Riga to
Tallinn every day, from 4 to 12 rides per day. On all busses there is available free WiFi, power supply at each seat, WC and other services. Bus schedules and more information can be found here: Ecolines: https://ecolines.net/lv/en; Eurolines: http://www.eurolines.lt/en/; Lux Express: https://luxexpress.eu/en/
By train
Time: 7 to 8 hours How: a travel from Riga to Tallinn by train includes a transfer in Valga (city in Northern Latvia, next to the
Estonian border), where it is necessary to switch trains. For the route Riga-Valga-Tallinn it is not possible to buy a single ticket, therefore it is needed to buy tickets from two different train companies. Train schedules and more information can be found here:
From Riga to Valga: https://www.pv.lv/en/ From Valga to Tallinn: https://pilet.elron.ee/en
